I’m a reasonably smart person, and I never had any difficulties with homework growing up, but as someone who couldn’t figure out the goddamn directions on my first-grader’s homework last night, I am sympathetic to Mr. Apatow here.

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e jerry powell

I'm useless to my nieces except for their violin lessons, so...

SilverDeb

Was helping with a 1st grade math worksheet last night. A multiple choice question. "Which of the following is a doubles plus one equation?" The answer, according to the 1st grader was 1+1=2. ??? Now, I am really good at math. I am one of those weirdos who likes it. I used to ask for more problems to solve. I know, I'm a freak. I have no idea what a "doubles plus one equation" is. WTF?

As a former textbook editor--admittedly, social studies and not math--I can tell you with confidence that this is a shittily written question.

Yes, I said "shittily."

jollies

What number "doubles" when you "plus one"? How would you represent that transformation in an "equation"?

SilverDeb

First grade! The question is like a riddle. These kids can barely read much less puzzle out a poorly phrased question.

Uriah_Creep

No kidding. They could not have phrased that question any worse.

jollies

I agree. I was really just trying to talk it through for myself. At six years old, I was still trying to open my milk box without spilling it all over myself.

SilverDeb

Most homework sessions with the 7 year old in my house usually end with me yelling and him crying with Dad stepping in to smooth things over. These confusing questions don't help. 1st grade homework is too stressful for me.

chanohack

I wasn't allowed to help my much-younger brother with his homework after I told him: "This math is worthless. I'm an engineer and no one in the world needs to know what you're practicing right now. It has zero practical applications." My dad told me to shut it but the DAMAGE WAS DONE.

AvaLehra

One of the best things about parenthood is being able to embarrass your kids. I was once a combat-boot-black-lipstick-wearing, gothy 80s teen who hated everything, but now I will dance in public to embarrass my 9-year-old. I love it!

BWeaves

I hate to say this, but you can embarrass your 9 year old by just standing next to them and breathing. Parents are like that.

However, I encourage you to dance in public every chance you get. It just ups the ante.

ed newman

After about an hour last night with helping with a freshman English paper I totally get where Apatow is coming from here. Learn to focus your thoughts, freshmen!

Jiffylush

Love the name Maude. I am not quite there with the homework, obviously my kids are geniuses and need no assistance from this guy.

I occasionally give a little push with math homework but at the 5th and 6th grade level they seem to be thriving without my direct involvement.